Festival Fun!

No matter what genre of music you may fancy music festivals are the place to be this summer.  Whether you attended SXSW, Ultra or Coachella this spring went to Electric Daisy Carnival or Movement over Memorial Day weekend or are planning on attending Wavefront, Burning Man, Bonaroo, or Electric Zoo in the upcoming months you want to make sure you look just as fab as the music you’ll be hearing.  I think the perfect music festival look is a little bohemian and 70’s inspired yet still modern.  It is very important to dress comfortably but yet still stylish, there is nothing worse then being that girl that miserable and hobbling around all day in heels.  Sorry ladies I know how hard it is to give up the pumps! Flats are a must for outdoor festivals!  Try a pair of gladiator sandals or a pair of TOMS, but make sure you break them in first so you’re sure they will be comfy and fit properly, because blisters are so not cute.  As far as the ensemble I think you can go as simple as jean shorts and a tank.  Jean shorts come in so many style, fits, and washes, and sometimes with a cool embellishment.  I've also been loving printed and lacey shorts this season.  I think a loose fitting; drapey tank is much cooler and more flattering then a tight body-con one.  My favorite has a fun geometric art deco design.  If you super confident and have a toned tummy a bandeau top with a tropical pattern is great for the occasion.  You can always throw a tank over it if you love the look but aren’t feeling that secure. Or skip the separates and go for a romper, they're just as cute as a sundress, but you don't have to worry about your booty being exposed while you're dancing.  If you want to be a little dressier try a maxi dress, just make sure it is still super casual or you’ll look like you’re going to a wedding. Be a bit daring and forget the solid color, and try a tropical print. Now for the super fun part, ACCESSORIZING!!!  I say load them up! I love an arm full of bangles and fun bracelets, Alex and Ani bracelets are great for piling up, plus they are positive energy bracelets and made in America out of recycled metals.  Long beaded necklaces or lone chains with a large pendant will give your look that hippy feel.  If it’s supposed to be chilly that day a bright colored scarf can look very chic.  Headwear is very important for music festivals.  Wear a hippy inspired headband, buy a leather one with embellishment or get creative and make your own.  Use fake flowers from the craft store to make a flower crown.  If you’re more of a hat girl, a summer fedora is a great look for a festival.  And of course don’t forget to add a pair of sunnies, I always say the bigger the better! 

To avoid looking trashy there are a few trends to stay away from.  Fuzzy boots, tutus, and fishnets should be saved for Halloween, and maybe not even then.  Even as an electronic music fan I still don’t see the appeal, it’s hot, it’s cheap looking, and it’s not flattering.  Leave the light show to the professionals; anything that needs a battery pack or could possibly electrocute you should be left at home.  I know the idea of light up butterfly wings sounds awesome for EDC but what happens when someone spills a drink on you.  I’m not exactly sure what goes through a person’s head when they’re getting dressed for a music festival and they decide to dress up as a banana, a Native American, Fred Flinstone, (these are all costumes I have personally seen)or some other ridiculous character. But I say don’t do it unless your ok with being mocked for months on music blogs and websites.  To keep it trendy and not trashy just follow the spring trends but stay true to your own personal style, and don’t go overboard.  

Stairway To Heaven Or Hell?

These double stacked platforms are great for a night out of dancing with the girls!

These platforms are more appropriate for working the pole!

 
I think it’s safe to say that shoes are one of the great loves of a woman’s life.  They always look great whether you have lost or gained a few pounds and the perfect heel can make your legs look miles longer then they actually are.  If you’re a shorty like me you will be eternally grateful to the man the invented the double stacked platform stiletto (it can give several extra inches then a normal heel and the platform gives some support and comfort).   This particular pair of heels is great for a night of dancing, gives a certain oomph to a simple party dress, and looks great paired with jeans.  Joan Rivers the host of Fashion Police on E! recently claimed this trend is over played and should be reserved for girls dance in clubs for money (if you get what I’m saying).  Yes I agree a regular pump tends to have a classier and sometimes sexier look, but if you’re standing below 5’5 they are sometimes necessary for certain ensembles such as a maxi dress.  If you have plans for a night out of club hopping and dancing until the wee hours or and afternoon of running errands and must wear heels the double stacked platform pump is the way to go for comfort purposes.  To stay classy and sophisticated keep them simple and shoes should always look new and shiny!

Look at the fishys!

  

Fur Real Fab or Fur Real Bad?!?

Kim K Loves to Wear Real Mink!

Rachel Zoe in Faux Fur Vest!!!!!!    

Fur has been a popular trend the past couple fall and winter seasons.  This is definitely a controversial trend as well with groups like PETA protesting that wearing fur contributes to animal cruelty.  The there is the big debate on whether animals should be subject to the same rights as humans.  I certainly don’t like to think about an animal out of a Disney enchanted forest or one of Winnie the Pooh’s buddies from the Hundred Acre Forest being tortured so some fashionista princess can where their gorgeous fur coats.   But lets me real animals don’t come from the enchanted forest; they don’t have personalities or any other human characteristics for that matter.  Does this make it ok to kill them?  As a girl who loves fashion I am personally ok with fur.  It’s beautiful and it makes beautiful coats, vests, hats, and stoles.  If you don’t believe me check out one of J. Mendel’s runway shows, it may change your mind about fur.  One of my ultimate fashion fantasies and who am I kidding one of my ultimate party fantasies, is to go to one of those Russian vodka rooms, where the temperature is below freezing (to really taste the vodka) and you must where a beautiful mink coat and hat.  If you’re not comfortable wearing real fur or cannot afford it (real fur can be very expensive, especially mink or fox) faux fur is a great option.  I normally go this route; I don’t see the point in spending the money on the real thing when the fake is sometimes just as nice (looking and nice to the animals).  But don’t get me wrong if I was given a fabulous mink coat or fox stole, I would certainly wear it without flinching.  Celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe has made the faux fur fest very fashionable and popular.  They are usually priced around $100 to start and go up in price dependent on the quality and brand.  I love a fur vest, you can dress it up, dress it down, wear it with jeans and a tee, or jeans or dress pants and a cute blouse.  The faux fur vest is very versatile and is a great option for when the weather is chilly, but not cold enough for a coat.  This fall and winter the fur stole is going to be one of the hottest accessories, but it’s your decision if it will be fur real or faux.   

J. Mendel Fur! 

Colored Denim Cool or Old Skool?

Forget "Fifty Shades of Grey” this summer and fall it’s all about “Fifty Shades of Denim”.  Jeans aren’t just blue anymore.  Neon and pastel colors were great for summer and this fall jewel tone denim is right on trend.  Trends in denim are hard because they may not last and I don’t believe in putting a lot of money into something that will only last a season.  After all colored denim was cool in the 80’s, but it didn’t withstand the test of time, maybe this time around it will stick.  If you are going to try this trend I suggest choosing a color that can be worn into the next season.  For example a salmon pink jean was a great color for summer and can be worn through September and possibly into October depending on how warm it is.  For instance I probably wouldn’t wear a neon yellow jean after Labor Day.  For fall I love the deep jewel tone denim of deep blue, teal, and burgundy.   A jewel tone blue or teal jean could be worn from September through March.  The burgundy reminds me that it is more appropriate for the holiday season, but I still like it.  I just wouldn’t spend a fortune on it.  I highly recommend wearing the appropriate color jean for the season.  It just looks trashy to wear a neon jean that is meant for summer when it is snowing.  Overall I think this is a cool trend for back to school!

           

Cat Woman!

As a girl that has a day job of working in the sunglass section of a department store that shall remain nameless, I thought I would take this week to talk about a trend in sunglasses.  Yes, we all know that every year the Jackie O style, aviators, and the classic wayfarer are all popular styles.  But Spring/Summer/Fall 2012 it’s all about the cat eye.  I personally like this trend for fall better then summer.  During Summer I like a larger frame to keep the sensitive areas of my face shielded from the sun.  And yes, I said sunglasses for fall.  Sunglasses are an accessory that can be worn all year round! After all the sun does shine even when it’s snowing and sunglasses are the ultimate do not disturb sign, I especially like them on airplanes, or early morning coffee runs.  No make-up necessary just throw on your cat eye sunnies and you’re ready to go, they even add that mysterious look, the same that a smokey eye would give.  Now cat eye sunnies are perfect to hide a tired eye when your running an errand or meeting your mother for breakfast, but there are certain occasions where sunglasses are not appropriate.  Please properly do your make-up and take off the sunglasses for a job interview, work, school, or any other professional setting, I shouldn’t have to explain why this is a bad idea.  The “I wear my sunglasses at night” look is questionable.  You can get away with it for an evening dinner outside or some nightclubs, mainly in Miami, L.A., Toronto, and Europe for sure, but not so much in the Midwest (people tend to think your hiding your eyes because you’ve done something wrong).  There are many different styles of the cat eye sunglass, try them all until you find a pair that works for you, have fun with it.  Most importantly don’t let the sales person talk you into a certain style or color because it looks best on your face, buy what you want!  Sunglasses are supposed to be fun, especially this style! 

Lace Lovely or Ugly?

 

You don’t have to be a girly girl to pull off the lace trend that was big this summer and even bigger this fall.  It can look incredibly chic and fashion forward if done right.  But wearing too much lace can end up looking old fashioned or matronly.  If the lace ensemble you choose is too sheer or even cheap looking will unfortunately make for a trashy look.  One lace look I really like is lace shorts paired with tights and a blousy sweater.  A lace cocktail dress in a bright color is a great look for fall.  Just keep the accessories simple or it will be overkill.  Lace accessories like a shoe, clutch, or tights is a way to give this trend a try if you’re unsure of it.  They’re also a great way to add a touch of trendiness to a simple dress or jeans and blouse.  If you’re going to wear lace blouse or any lace apparel for that matter, make sure it is properly lined.  If it is not add a tank top or have it lined.  There is no need for anyone to see your undergarments.  As far as the lace accessories go I suggest staying away from the lace fingerless glove, unless you’re dressing up as Madonna for Halloween.  I think this is a fabulous trend for the holidays!

Golden Goddess!

It seems that lately Gold has been seen a lot more from the runway to costume jewelry seen at the stores at the mall.  A few years ago I would have said that gold looks gaudy or ghetto, but these days I do love the gold trend.  I personally think gold looks great on blonds or brunettes with darker skin.  I personally prefer to wear gold when I am tan.  Try pairing a pair of gold shorts with a neutral shirt and gold jewelry.  I also love gold jewelry with a black or yellow dress, it really complements it well.  Gold pumps paired with denim looks super chic as well. 

            I still think that it is important to be careful with this trend. If you choose gold jewelry that is too yellow-gold it can appear to look cheap and fake.  This is what I think of when I hear the term ghetto gold.  Most of us don’t have bank accounts big enough to afford us real 24k jewelry yet, but we still don’t want it to look fake from a mile away.  When wearing a gold dress, skirt, shorts, or blouse try to avoid gold shoes and or handbag, it’s too matchy matchy.  If your going with the gold jewelry wear a statement necklace but skip the doorknocker earrings and vise versa, it can be too much bling around your face.  Also think long and hard about this trend and if you think its right with your skin tone and wardrobe and won’t look dated in a few years before making big purchases in gold.  For example $400 designer sunglasses, yes this will look awesome this summer but how will you feel next summer.  This also applies for when choosing an engagement or wedding ring, you have to choose what is timeless and classic.  I don’t recommend choosing something that will be in style for a season or two.  Even Rachel Zoe who has been rocking the gold trend for years has a platinum engagement and wedding ring.  But with all trends have fun with it!

These watches remind me of what I call blinged out ghetto gold.  This trashy not trendy!